this week in the senate and taxation ... georgia’s pre-k week. georgia’s pre-k program helps...
TRANSCRIPT
Georgia Senate Press Office Staff
Ines Owens Acting Director
Brittany Wagner Communications Specialist
Andrew Allison Communications Associate
Elisabeth FletcherCommunications Associate
Nick Seymour 2017 Legislative Aide
India Westbrook2017 Legislative Aide
Yaya Toussaint 2017 Legislative Intern
201 Coverdell Legislative Office Building18 Capitol Square SWAtlanta GA 30303p 4046560028
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GeorgiaStateSenate
Focus Moves to House BillsThis week we convened on Monday Thursday and Fri-day for Days 29 30 and 31 of the legislative session With Crossover Day behind us the Senate committees have turned their attention to House bills
For me Tuesday and Wednesday were taken up with ldquogreen doorrdquo meetings where we reconciled the reports of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees in an effort to produce a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2018 Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Hill (R ndashReidsville) will present our work ndash the Senate version of House Bill 44 ndash to the full Senate Appropriations
Committee next week Once approved by the full Senate it will go back to the House for further consideration
We recognized several important groups this week including the Georgia National Guard and our law enforcement community Sen Hunter Hill (R ndash Atlanta) sponsored Senate Resolution 172 which recognizes March 6 2017 as National Guard Day at the Capitol Sen Tyler Harper (R ndash Ocilla) sponsored Senate Resolution 295 which recognizes March 6 2017 as Law Enforcement Day at the Capitol It was a humbling experience to be joined by representatives of these two important groups whose members go above and beyond for us These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day and it was an honor to recognize them
This week the Senate unanimously approved House Bill 146 which provides our firefighters with special and much needed cancer insurance coverage These courageous men and women risk their lives charging into buildings that others flee All of us are grateful to Sen John Albers (R ndash Roswell) and Rep Micah Gravely (R ndash Douglasville) who have doggedly led the effort to ensure that they and their families are financially protected
The pace will pick up as we enter the final nine days of the legislative session We will reconvene Monday for Day 32 If you have any questions comments or ideas please do not hesitate to contact me
Sen David J ShaferPresident Pro Tempore Georgia Senate
This Week in the SenateMarch 6 - March 10 2017
MONDAY MARCH 6Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia House Bill 127 carried by Sen Marty Harbin (R ndash Tyrone) would remove inactive sections of the Georgia Code relating to Blue Cross Blue Shield This bill would also make changes to the Insurance Code that would conform to the repealing of these chapters HB 127 passed with a vote of 52 to 0 ndash HB 127
Federal Food Safety Modernization Act House Bill 176 carried by Sen Larry Walker (R ndash Perry) would designate the Georgia Department of Agri-culture as the agency responsible for enforcing the Federal Food Safety Modernization Act Under HB 176 an additional article is provided regarding the labeling standards and adulteration of food This bill would allow the Georgia Department of Agriculture to partner with the federal government to implement federal laws HB 176 passed with a vote of 51 to 0 ndash HB 176
State Commission on Family Violence House Bill 303 carried by Sen Elena Parent (D ndash Atlanta) would amend the terms and qualifications of members of the State Commission on Family Violence This new legislation would prohibit members from serving two con-secutive terms unless they are serving in an ex-officio capacity HB 303 would require each commission member to be appointed for a three year term and would provide allowances to legislative members HB 303 passed with a vote of 51 to 0 ndash HB 303
Honoring McKenzie CoanSenate Resolution 80 sponsored by Sen John Wilkinson (R ndash Toccoa) commends Paralympic gold medalist McKenzie Coan McKenzie a resident of Habersham County won four medals in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro Brazil She was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta when she was a child and began swimming for physical therapy McKenzie has since per-fected her swimming skills and has been recognized as the fastest swimmer in the Paralympic class ndash SR 80
National Guard DaySen Hunter Hill (R ndash Atlanta) sponsored Senate Resolution 172 which recognizes March 6 2017 as National Guard Day at the Capitol The Georgia Department of Defense consists of the Georgia Army National Guard the Georgia Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force The Georgia National Guard is the eighth largest in the nation and deployed over 600 soldiers and airmen in 2016 Georgiarsquos National Guard also hosts the Youth Challenge Academy in Forts Stewart and Gordon where over 14000 high school dropouts have been given an opportunity to receive a high school diploma ndash SR 172
Recognizing Miss Atlanta 2017 Sen Steve Henson (D ndash Stone Mountain) sponsored Senate Resolution 176 honoring Miss Atlanta 2017 Paula Smith She is a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design and is heavily active in the art community Paula is involved with the the Georgia Art Therapy Association and her ldquoA Roadmap To Successrdquo program where she teaches about the advantages of art therapy ndash SR 176
Miss Georgia Peach Pageant Scholarship and Georgia Peach QueensSen Larry Walker (R ndash Perry) sponsored Senate Resolution 264 commending the Miss Georgia Peach Scholarship Pageant and the 2016 Georgia Peach Queens The Miss Georgia Peach Schol-arship Pageant started in Peach County Georgia in 1982 The pag-eant is open statewide to girls ages four to 24 for the purpose of building self-confidence and also recognizes those who make a positive contribution to the community ndash SR 264
Lt Gen David PoythressSen Ed Harbison (D ndash Columbus) sponsored Senate Resolution 286 honoring the life and memory of Lt Gen David Poythress During his tenure in the United States Air Force Lt Gen Poythress served tours of duty during the Vietnam War and the wars in Bosnia Iraq and Afghanistan In 2002 he was promoted to Lt General making him the first Adjutant General in Georgia to earn three stars ndash SR 286
Law Enforcement DaySenate Resolution 295 sponsored by Sen Tyler Harper (R ndash Ocilla) recognizes March 6 2017 as Law Enforce-ment Day at the Capitol There are approximately 54000 certified peace officers in the state of Georgia with 14000 working for state agencies and 40000 working as local officers This resolution honors the state of Geor-giarsquos highly trained and professional law enforcement officers for putting their lives on the line every day and to recognize them for all they do ndash SR 295
THURSDAY MARCH 9Firefighter Insurance CoverageSen John Albers (R ndash Roswell) carried House Bill 146 which would require fire departments to insure any fire-fighter who has served for 12 consecutive months with the department and is diagnosed with certain cancers This bill also requires that any firefighter that is injured or suffers an illness and is unable to work be paid through separate disability HB 146 passed with a vote of 52 to 0 ndash HB 146
Revenue and TaxationHouse Bill 283 carried by Sen Michael Williams (R ndash Cumming) would update the definition of the term ldquoIn-ternal Revenue Coderdquo to include any changes made by federal law before January 1 2017 HB 283 the Federal Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 would be modified to make it compatible with Georgia Law HB 283 passed with a vote of 50 to 0 ndash HB 283
Term Limits for Members of the CongressSen Chuck Hufstetler (R ndash Rome) sponsored Senate Resolution 195 which asks Congress to call an Article V Convention to address a proposal to limit the terms a person can serve as a member of Congress SR 195 passed with a vote of 31 to 19 ndash SR 195
Laurie SossaSenate Resolution 108 sponsored by Sen Donzella James (D ndash Atlanta) commends Laurie Sossa and her organi-zation The Southern Barter Club Laurie has dedicated her time and resources to assist rising entrepreneurs and to stimulate commerce and trade in Georgia The Southern Barter Club has been recognized as one of the most committed civic organizations in Georgia and continues to provide innovation in the barter and trade industry ndash SR 108
Honoring Coach Greg JamesSen Blake Tillery (R ndash Vidalia) sponsored Senate Resolution 159 honoring Coach Greg James for his leadership and accomplishments He has served the Vidalia City School System as a teacher and coach for 40 years Coach James has led Vidalia High Schoolrsquos baseball team to victory in two GHSA AA State Championship games appeared in the state semi-finals four times won nine region championship games and appeared in 19 playoff games ndash SR 159
Lupus Awareness DaySenate Resolution 181 sponsored by Sen Donzella James (D ndash Atlanta) recognizes March 9 2017 as Lupus Awareness Day at the Capitol Lupus is an acute and chronic lifelong autoimmune disease There are at least 15 million Americans including 55000 Georgians currently living with lupus The Senate commends the work of the Lupus Foundation of America and the many organizations devoted to finding a cure for lupus ndash SR 181
Spelman College DaySen Gail Davenport (D ndash Jonesboro) sponsored Senate Resolution 272 which recognizes March 9 2017 as Spelman College Day at the Capitol Spelman College has been recognized as the leading educator of women of African descent and was named among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the nation Spelmanrsquos current student body boasts more than 2100 students and empowers women to engage the many cultures of the world ndash SR 272
Georgia Pre-K WeekSen Lindsey Tippins (R ndash Marietta) sponsored Senate Resolution 358 which recognizes October 2-6 2017 as Georgiarsquos Pre-K Week Georgiarsquos Pre-K program helps prepare children for school and sets them on a path to reading literacy by the end of the third grade The program has served 14 million children in Georgia and this year marks the 25th anniversary of Georgiarsquos Pre-K program ndash SR 358
Childrenrsquos Healthcare of Atlanta Therapy Dogs ldquoCanines for KidsrdquoSenate Resolution 387 sponsored by Sen Renee Unterman (R ndash Buford) commends the Childrenrsquos Healthcare of Atlanta therapy dog program known as ldquoCanines for Kidsrdquo The program employs 13 full-time therapy dogs who go through an intensive 18-month training process The dogs help calm fears provide comfort and reduce anxiety for children and their families ndash SR 387
FRIDAY MARCH 10Georgia Geospatial Advisory CouncilHouse Bill 183 carried by Sen Matt Brass (R ndash Newnan) would transfer the Georgia Geospatial Advisory Coun-cil including all papers data and reports from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Com-munity Affairs HB183 passed with a vote of 51 to 0 ndash HB 183
Georgia World Congress CenterSen P K Martin (R ndash Lawrenceville) carried House Bill 264 which would increase the bonding capacity for the Georgia World Congress Center from $200 million to $400 million The primary purpose of the bonds is to gen-erate revenue for multipurpose stadiums coliseums and other related facilities HB 264 passed with a vote of 45 to 9 ndash HB 264
Commending Fairview Elementary SchoolSen Emanuel Jones (D ndash Decatur) sponsored Senate Resolution 302 recognizing Fairview Elementary Schoolrsquos success with its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative As part of the program Fairview Elementary revised its school-wide standard to reflect the ldquo3Bsrdquo Be Respectful Be Responsible and Be Safe The 3Brsquos were applied to expectations across a variety of school settings and as a result of the programrsquos implementation and success the schoolrsquos ranking was elevated to 4-stars ndash SR 302
Recognizing ldquoDriller Mikerdquo Senate Resolution 315 sponsored by Sen Nan Orrock (D ndash Atlanta) recognizes the City of Atlantarsquos efforts to improve its water quality by using a machine named ldquoDriller Mikerdquo to bore a five-mile-long tunnel to fill an aban-doned quarry with 24 billion gallons of drinking water The machine was named after the Grammy Award-win-ning rapper and Atlanta native Michael Render also known as ldquoKiller Mikerdquo ndash SR 315
Congratulating Joel Edward Harrell IIISen Jeff Mullis (R ndash Chickamauga) sponsored Senate Resolution 361 which congratulates Joel Edward Harrell III for his retirement from his career in public relations with Norfolk Southern Railway Corporation Harrell who received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Virginia Tech University served as Norfolk Southernrsquos public relations representative for more than three decades Harrell is also the president of the Georgia Railway Association and is a board member for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Transportation Al-liance ndash SR 361
The Georgia Senate will reconvene for DAY 32 at 1000 am on MONDAY MARCH 13
Federal Food Safety Modernization Act House Bill 176 carried by Sen Larry Walker (R ndash Perry) would designate the Georgia Department of Agri-culture as the agency responsible for enforcing the Federal Food Safety Modernization Act Under HB 176 an additional article is provided regarding the labeling standards and adulteration of food This bill would allow the Georgia Department of Agriculture to partner with the federal government to implement federal laws HB 176 passed with a vote of 51 to 0 ndash HB 176
State Commission on Family Violence House Bill 303 carried by Sen Elena Parent (D ndash Atlanta) would amend the terms and qualifications of members of the State Commission on Family Violence This new legislation would prohibit members from serving two con-secutive terms unless they are serving in an ex-officio capacity HB 303 would require each commission member to be appointed for a three year term and would provide allowances to legislative members HB 303 passed with a vote of 51 to 0 ndash HB 303
Honoring McKenzie CoanSenate Resolution 80 sponsored by Sen John Wilkinson (R ndash Toccoa) commends Paralympic gold medalist McKenzie Coan McKenzie a resident of Habersham County won four medals in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro Brazil She was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta when she was a child and began swimming for physical therapy McKenzie has since per-fected her swimming skills and has been recognized as the fastest swimmer in the Paralympic class ndash SR 80
National Guard DaySen Hunter Hill (R ndash Atlanta) sponsored Senate Resolution 172 which recognizes March 6 2017 as National Guard Day at the Capitol The Georgia Department of Defense consists of the Georgia Army National Guard the Georgia Air National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force The Georgia National Guard is the eighth largest in the nation and deployed over 600 soldiers and airmen in 2016 Georgiarsquos National Guard also hosts the Youth Challenge Academy in Forts Stewart and Gordon where over 14000 high school dropouts have been given an opportunity to receive a high school diploma ndash SR 172
Recognizing Miss Atlanta 2017 Sen Steve Henson (D ndash Stone Mountain) sponsored Senate Resolution 176 honoring Miss Atlanta 2017 Paula Smith She is a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design and is heavily active in the art community Paula is involved with the the Georgia Art Therapy Association and her ldquoA Roadmap To Successrdquo program where she teaches about the advantages of art therapy ndash SR 176
Miss Georgia Peach Pageant Scholarship and Georgia Peach QueensSen Larry Walker (R ndash Perry) sponsored Senate Resolution 264 commending the Miss Georgia Peach Scholarship Pageant and the 2016 Georgia Peach Queens The Miss Georgia Peach Schol-arship Pageant started in Peach County Georgia in 1982 The pag-eant is open statewide to girls ages four to 24 for the purpose of building self-confidence and also recognizes those who make a positive contribution to the community ndash SR 264
Lt Gen David PoythressSen Ed Harbison (D ndash Columbus) sponsored Senate Resolution 286 honoring the life and memory of Lt Gen David Poythress During his tenure in the United States Air Force Lt Gen Poythress served tours of duty during the Vietnam War and the wars in Bosnia Iraq and Afghanistan In 2002 he was promoted to Lt General making him the first Adjutant General in Georgia to earn three stars ndash SR 286
Law Enforcement DaySenate Resolution 295 sponsored by Sen Tyler Harper (R ndash Ocilla) recognizes March 6 2017 as Law Enforce-ment Day at the Capitol There are approximately 54000 certified peace officers in the state of Georgia with 14000 working for state agencies and 40000 working as local officers This resolution honors the state of Geor-giarsquos highly trained and professional law enforcement officers for putting their lives on the line every day and to recognize them for all they do ndash SR 295
THURSDAY MARCH 9Firefighter Insurance CoverageSen John Albers (R ndash Roswell) carried House Bill 146 which would require fire departments to insure any fire-fighter who has served for 12 consecutive months with the department and is diagnosed with certain cancers This bill also requires that any firefighter that is injured or suffers an illness and is unable to work be paid through separate disability HB 146 passed with a vote of 52 to 0 ndash HB 146
Revenue and TaxationHouse Bill 283 carried by Sen Michael Williams (R ndash Cumming) would update the definition of the term ldquoIn-ternal Revenue Coderdquo to include any changes made by federal law before January 1 2017 HB 283 the Federal Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 would be modified to make it compatible with Georgia Law HB 283 passed with a vote of 50 to 0 ndash HB 283
Term Limits for Members of the CongressSen Chuck Hufstetler (R ndash Rome) sponsored Senate Resolution 195 which asks Congress to call an Article V Convention to address a proposal to limit the terms a person can serve as a member of Congress SR 195 passed with a vote of 31 to 19 ndash SR 195
Laurie SossaSenate Resolution 108 sponsored by Sen Donzella James (D ndash Atlanta) commends Laurie Sossa and her organi-zation The Southern Barter Club Laurie has dedicated her time and resources to assist rising entrepreneurs and to stimulate commerce and trade in Georgia The Southern Barter Club has been recognized as one of the most committed civic organizations in Georgia and continues to provide innovation in the barter and trade industry ndash SR 108
Honoring Coach Greg JamesSen Blake Tillery (R ndash Vidalia) sponsored Senate Resolution 159 honoring Coach Greg James for his leadership and accomplishments He has served the Vidalia City School System as a teacher and coach for 40 years Coach James has led Vidalia High Schoolrsquos baseball team to victory in two GHSA AA State Championship games appeared in the state semi-finals four times won nine region championship games and appeared in 19 playoff games ndash SR 159
Lupus Awareness DaySenate Resolution 181 sponsored by Sen Donzella James (D ndash Atlanta) recognizes March 9 2017 as Lupus Awareness Day at the Capitol Lupus is an acute and chronic lifelong autoimmune disease There are at least 15 million Americans including 55000 Georgians currently living with lupus The Senate commends the work of the Lupus Foundation of America and the many organizations devoted to finding a cure for lupus ndash SR 181
Spelman College DaySen Gail Davenport (D ndash Jonesboro) sponsored Senate Resolution 272 which recognizes March 9 2017 as Spelman College Day at the Capitol Spelman College has been recognized as the leading educator of women of African descent and was named among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the nation Spelmanrsquos current student body boasts more than 2100 students and empowers women to engage the many cultures of the world ndash SR 272
Georgia Pre-K WeekSen Lindsey Tippins (R ndash Marietta) sponsored Senate Resolution 358 which recognizes October 2-6 2017 as Georgiarsquos Pre-K Week Georgiarsquos Pre-K program helps prepare children for school and sets them on a path to reading literacy by the end of the third grade The program has served 14 million children in Georgia and this year marks the 25th anniversary of Georgiarsquos Pre-K program ndash SR 358
Childrenrsquos Healthcare of Atlanta Therapy Dogs ldquoCanines for KidsrdquoSenate Resolution 387 sponsored by Sen Renee Unterman (R ndash Buford) commends the Childrenrsquos Healthcare of Atlanta therapy dog program known as ldquoCanines for Kidsrdquo The program employs 13 full-time therapy dogs who go through an intensive 18-month training process The dogs help calm fears provide comfort and reduce anxiety for children and their families ndash SR 387
FRIDAY MARCH 10Georgia Geospatial Advisory CouncilHouse Bill 183 carried by Sen Matt Brass (R ndash Newnan) would transfer the Georgia Geospatial Advisory Coun-cil including all papers data and reports from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Com-munity Affairs HB183 passed with a vote of 51 to 0 ndash HB 183
Georgia World Congress CenterSen P K Martin (R ndash Lawrenceville) carried House Bill 264 which would increase the bonding capacity for the Georgia World Congress Center from $200 million to $400 million The primary purpose of the bonds is to gen-erate revenue for multipurpose stadiums coliseums and other related facilities HB 264 passed with a vote of 45 to 9 ndash HB 264
Commending Fairview Elementary SchoolSen Emanuel Jones (D ndash Decatur) sponsored Senate Resolution 302 recognizing Fairview Elementary Schoolrsquos success with its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative As part of the program Fairview Elementary revised its school-wide standard to reflect the ldquo3Bsrdquo Be Respectful Be Responsible and Be Safe The 3Brsquos were applied to expectations across a variety of school settings and as a result of the programrsquos implementation and success the schoolrsquos ranking was elevated to 4-stars ndash SR 302
Recognizing ldquoDriller Mikerdquo Senate Resolution 315 sponsored by Sen Nan Orrock (D ndash Atlanta) recognizes the City of Atlantarsquos efforts to improve its water quality by using a machine named ldquoDriller Mikerdquo to bore a five-mile-long tunnel to fill an aban-doned quarry with 24 billion gallons of drinking water The machine was named after the Grammy Award-win-ning rapper and Atlanta native Michael Render also known as ldquoKiller Mikerdquo ndash SR 315
Congratulating Joel Edward Harrell IIISen Jeff Mullis (R ndash Chickamauga) sponsored Senate Resolution 361 which congratulates Joel Edward Harrell III for his retirement from his career in public relations with Norfolk Southern Railway Corporation Harrell who received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Virginia Tech University served as Norfolk Southernrsquos public relations representative for more than three decades Harrell is also the president of the Georgia Railway Association and is a board member for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Transportation Al-liance ndash SR 361
The Georgia Senate will reconvene for DAY 32 at 1000 am on MONDAY MARCH 13
Lt Gen David PoythressSen Ed Harbison (D ndash Columbus) sponsored Senate Resolution 286 honoring the life and memory of Lt Gen David Poythress During his tenure in the United States Air Force Lt Gen Poythress served tours of duty during the Vietnam War and the wars in Bosnia Iraq and Afghanistan In 2002 he was promoted to Lt General making him the first Adjutant General in Georgia to earn three stars ndash SR 286
Law Enforcement DaySenate Resolution 295 sponsored by Sen Tyler Harper (R ndash Ocilla) recognizes March 6 2017 as Law Enforce-ment Day at the Capitol There are approximately 54000 certified peace officers in the state of Georgia with 14000 working for state agencies and 40000 working as local officers This resolution honors the state of Geor-giarsquos highly trained and professional law enforcement officers for putting their lives on the line every day and to recognize them for all they do ndash SR 295
THURSDAY MARCH 9Firefighter Insurance CoverageSen John Albers (R ndash Roswell) carried House Bill 146 which would require fire departments to insure any fire-fighter who has served for 12 consecutive months with the department and is diagnosed with certain cancers This bill also requires that any firefighter that is injured or suffers an illness and is unable to work be paid through separate disability HB 146 passed with a vote of 52 to 0 ndash HB 146
Revenue and TaxationHouse Bill 283 carried by Sen Michael Williams (R ndash Cumming) would update the definition of the term ldquoIn-ternal Revenue Coderdquo to include any changes made by federal law before January 1 2017 HB 283 the Federal Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 would be modified to make it compatible with Georgia Law HB 283 passed with a vote of 50 to 0 ndash HB 283
Term Limits for Members of the CongressSen Chuck Hufstetler (R ndash Rome) sponsored Senate Resolution 195 which asks Congress to call an Article V Convention to address a proposal to limit the terms a person can serve as a member of Congress SR 195 passed with a vote of 31 to 19 ndash SR 195
Laurie SossaSenate Resolution 108 sponsored by Sen Donzella James (D ndash Atlanta) commends Laurie Sossa and her organi-zation The Southern Barter Club Laurie has dedicated her time and resources to assist rising entrepreneurs and to stimulate commerce and trade in Georgia The Southern Barter Club has been recognized as one of the most committed civic organizations in Georgia and continues to provide innovation in the barter and trade industry ndash SR 108
Honoring Coach Greg JamesSen Blake Tillery (R ndash Vidalia) sponsored Senate Resolution 159 honoring Coach Greg James for his leadership and accomplishments He has served the Vidalia City School System as a teacher and coach for 40 years Coach James has led Vidalia High Schoolrsquos baseball team to victory in two GHSA AA State Championship games appeared in the state semi-finals four times won nine region championship games and appeared in 19 playoff games ndash SR 159
Lupus Awareness DaySenate Resolution 181 sponsored by Sen Donzella James (D ndash Atlanta) recognizes March 9 2017 as Lupus Awareness Day at the Capitol Lupus is an acute and chronic lifelong autoimmune disease There are at least 15 million Americans including 55000 Georgians currently living with lupus The Senate commends the work of the Lupus Foundation of America and the many organizations devoted to finding a cure for lupus ndash SR 181
Spelman College DaySen Gail Davenport (D ndash Jonesboro) sponsored Senate Resolution 272 which recognizes March 9 2017 as Spelman College Day at the Capitol Spelman College has been recognized as the leading educator of women of African descent and was named among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the nation Spelmanrsquos current student body boasts more than 2100 students and empowers women to engage the many cultures of the world ndash SR 272
Georgia Pre-K WeekSen Lindsey Tippins (R ndash Marietta) sponsored Senate Resolution 358 which recognizes October 2-6 2017 as Georgiarsquos Pre-K Week Georgiarsquos Pre-K program helps prepare children for school and sets them on a path to reading literacy by the end of the third grade The program has served 14 million children in Georgia and this year marks the 25th anniversary of Georgiarsquos Pre-K program ndash SR 358
Childrenrsquos Healthcare of Atlanta Therapy Dogs ldquoCanines for KidsrdquoSenate Resolution 387 sponsored by Sen Renee Unterman (R ndash Buford) commends the Childrenrsquos Healthcare of Atlanta therapy dog program known as ldquoCanines for Kidsrdquo The program employs 13 full-time therapy dogs who go through an intensive 18-month training process The dogs help calm fears provide comfort and reduce anxiety for children and their families ndash SR 387
FRIDAY MARCH 10Georgia Geospatial Advisory CouncilHouse Bill 183 carried by Sen Matt Brass (R ndash Newnan) would transfer the Georgia Geospatial Advisory Coun-cil including all papers data and reports from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Com-munity Affairs HB183 passed with a vote of 51 to 0 ndash HB 183
Georgia World Congress CenterSen P K Martin (R ndash Lawrenceville) carried House Bill 264 which would increase the bonding capacity for the Georgia World Congress Center from $200 million to $400 million The primary purpose of the bonds is to gen-erate revenue for multipurpose stadiums coliseums and other related facilities HB 264 passed with a vote of 45 to 9 ndash HB 264
Commending Fairview Elementary SchoolSen Emanuel Jones (D ndash Decatur) sponsored Senate Resolution 302 recognizing Fairview Elementary Schoolrsquos success with its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative As part of the program Fairview Elementary revised its school-wide standard to reflect the ldquo3Bsrdquo Be Respectful Be Responsible and Be Safe The 3Brsquos were applied to expectations across a variety of school settings and as a result of the programrsquos implementation and success the schoolrsquos ranking was elevated to 4-stars ndash SR 302
Recognizing ldquoDriller Mikerdquo Senate Resolution 315 sponsored by Sen Nan Orrock (D ndash Atlanta) recognizes the City of Atlantarsquos efforts to improve its water quality by using a machine named ldquoDriller Mikerdquo to bore a five-mile-long tunnel to fill an aban-doned quarry with 24 billion gallons of drinking water The machine was named after the Grammy Award-win-ning rapper and Atlanta native Michael Render also known as ldquoKiller Mikerdquo ndash SR 315
Congratulating Joel Edward Harrell IIISen Jeff Mullis (R ndash Chickamauga) sponsored Senate Resolution 361 which congratulates Joel Edward Harrell III for his retirement from his career in public relations with Norfolk Southern Railway Corporation Harrell who received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Virginia Tech University served as Norfolk Southernrsquos public relations representative for more than three decades Harrell is also the president of the Georgia Railway Association and is a board member for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Transportation Al-liance ndash SR 361
The Georgia Senate will reconvene for DAY 32 at 1000 am on MONDAY MARCH 13
Honoring Coach Greg JamesSen Blake Tillery (R ndash Vidalia) sponsored Senate Resolution 159 honoring Coach Greg James for his leadership and accomplishments He has served the Vidalia City School System as a teacher and coach for 40 years Coach James has led Vidalia High Schoolrsquos baseball team to victory in two GHSA AA State Championship games appeared in the state semi-finals four times won nine region championship games and appeared in 19 playoff games ndash SR 159
Lupus Awareness DaySenate Resolution 181 sponsored by Sen Donzella James (D ndash Atlanta) recognizes March 9 2017 as Lupus Awareness Day at the Capitol Lupus is an acute and chronic lifelong autoimmune disease There are at least 15 million Americans including 55000 Georgians currently living with lupus The Senate commends the work of the Lupus Foundation of America and the many organizations devoted to finding a cure for lupus ndash SR 181
Spelman College DaySen Gail Davenport (D ndash Jonesboro) sponsored Senate Resolution 272 which recognizes March 9 2017 as Spelman College Day at the Capitol Spelman College has been recognized as the leading educator of women of African descent and was named among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the nation Spelmanrsquos current student body boasts more than 2100 students and empowers women to engage the many cultures of the world ndash SR 272
Georgia Pre-K WeekSen Lindsey Tippins (R ndash Marietta) sponsored Senate Resolution 358 which recognizes October 2-6 2017 as Georgiarsquos Pre-K Week Georgiarsquos Pre-K program helps prepare children for school and sets them on a path to reading literacy by the end of the third grade The program has served 14 million children in Georgia and this year marks the 25th anniversary of Georgiarsquos Pre-K program ndash SR 358
Childrenrsquos Healthcare of Atlanta Therapy Dogs ldquoCanines for KidsrdquoSenate Resolution 387 sponsored by Sen Renee Unterman (R ndash Buford) commends the Childrenrsquos Healthcare of Atlanta therapy dog program known as ldquoCanines for Kidsrdquo The program employs 13 full-time therapy dogs who go through an intensive 18-month training process The dogs help calm fears provide comfort and reduce anxiety for children and their families ndash SR 387
FRIDAY MARCH 10Georgia Geospatial Advisory CouncilHouse Bill 183 carried by Sen Matt Brass (R ndash Newnan) would transfer the Georgia Geospatial Advisory Coun-cil including all papers data and reports from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Com-munity Affairs HB183 passed with a vote of 51 to 0 ndash HB 183
Georgia World Congress CenterSen P K Martin (R ndash Lawrenceville) carried House Bill 264 which would increase the bonding capacity for the Georgia World Congress Center from $200 million to $400 million The primary purpose of the bonds is to gen-erate revenue for multipurpose stadiums coliseums and other related facilities HB 264 passed with a vote of 45 to 9 ndash HB 264
Commending Fairview Elementary SchoolSen Emanuel Jones (D ndash Decatur) sponsored Senate Resolution 302 recognizing Fairview Elementary Schoolrsquos success with its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative As part of the program Fairview Elementary revised its school-wide standard to reflect the ldquo3Bsrdquo Be Respectful Be Responsible and Be Safe The 3Brsquos were applied to expectations across a variety of school settings and as a result of the programrsquos implementation and success the schoolrsquos ranking was elevated to 4-stars ndash SR 302
Recognizing ldquoDriller Mikerdquo Senate Resolution 315 sponsored by Sen Nan Orrock (D ndash Atlanta) recognizes the City of Atlantarsquos efforts to improve its water quality by using a machine named ldquoDriller Mikerdquo to bore a five-mile-long tunnel to fill an aban-doned quarry with 24 billion gallons of drinking water The machine was named after the Grammy Award-win-ning rapper and Atlanta native Michael Render also known as ldquoKiller Mikerdquo ndash SR 315
Congratulating Joel Edward Harrell IIISen Jeff Mullis (R ndash Chickamauga) sponsored Senate Resolution 361 which congratulates Joel Edward Harrell III for his retirement from his career in public relations with Norfolk Southern Railway Corporation Harrell who received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Virginia Tech University served as Norfolk Southernrsquos public relations representative for more than three decades Harrell is also the president of the Georgia Railway Association and is a board member for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Transportation Al-liance ndash SR 361
The Georgia Senate will reconvene for DAY 32 at 1000 am on MONDAY MARCH 13
Georgia World Congress CenterSen P K Martin (R ndash Lawrenceville) carried House Bill 264 which would increase the bonding capacity for the Georgia World Congress Center from $200 million to $400 million The primary purpose of the bonds is to gen-erate revenue for multipurpose stadiums coliseums and other related facilities HB 264 passed with a vote of 45 to 9 ndash HB 264
Commending Fairview Elementary SchoolSen Emanuel Jones (D ndash Decatur) sponsored Senate Resolution 302 recognizing Fairview Elementary Schoolrsquos success with its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative As part of the program Fairview Elementary revised its school-wide standard to reflect the ldquo3Bsrdquo Be Respectful Be Responsible and Be Safe The 3Brsquos were applied to expectations across a variety of school settings and as a result of the programrsquos implementation and success the schoolrsquos ranking was elevated to 4-stars ndash SR 302
Recognizing ldquoDriller Mikerdquo Senate Resolution 315 sponsored by Sen Nan Orrock (D ndash Atlanta) recognizes the City of Atlantarsquos efforts to improve its water quality by using a machine named ldquoDriller Mikerdquo to bore a five-mile-long tunnel to fill an aban-doned quarry with 24 billion gallons of drinking water The machine was named after the Grammy Award-win-ning rapper and Atlanta native Michael Render also known as ldquoKiller Mikerdquo ndash SR 315
Congratulating Joel Edward Harrell IIISen Jeff Mullis (R ndash Chickamauga) sponsored Senate Resolution 361 which congratulates Joel Edward Harrell III for his retirement from his career in public relations with Norfolk Southern Railway Corporation Harrell who received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Virginia Tech University served as Norfolk Southernrsquos public relations representative for more than three decades Harrell is also the president of the Georgia Railway Association and is a board member for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Transportation Al-liance ndash SR 361
The Georgia Senate will reconvene for DAY 32 at 1000 am on MONDAY MARCH 13